links for 2010-07-19

"Today's CDC study establishes that the U.S. epidemic is instead best understood as two separate epidemics–one in poor neighborhoods and one in the rest of the nation. That's because HIV prevalence is a shocking 2.1 percent among heterosexuals in the poor neighborhoods CDC studied. These are explosive findings that ought to fundamentally redefine our understanding of the U.S. epidemic and its gravity.

"That said, what they don't do is prove class is more important than race in confronting HIV in the U.S. If poverty breeds deadly disease, as this study suggests, neither the disease nor the poverty is evenly distributed in society. African Americans account for roughly half of all people living with HIV in the U.S. That ought to be no surprise, given the remarkable poverty rates among black people."

Official MAC statement: "We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended some of our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We are listening carefully to the comments posted and are grateful to those of you who have brought your concerns to the forefront of our attention. M·A·C will give a portion of the proceeds from the M·A·C Rodarte collection to help those in need in Juarez. We are diligently investigating the best way to do this. Please be assured that we will keep you posted on the details regarding our efforts."

"Along with increased traffic and noise, opponents fear the mosque would clash with Temecula's rural atmosphere and, they say, possibly turn the community of 105,000 into a haven for Islamic extremists."

"The pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, just across a cul-de-sac from the site of the mosque, said the two religions 'mix like oil and water' and predicted a "confrontational atmosphere" if the project moves forward."

"Fazel — or as he would prefer to be known, Fajnzylber — is one of an increasing number of French Jews trying to persuade France's State Council to allow them to return to the family names their parents and grandparents gave up when they arrived here after World War II."

"A portion of the French civil code adopted after the war stipulates that family names are 'immutable' and must be continued. The civil code allows 'foreign sounding' names to be changed to those considered more French-like, but declares the 'impossibility' of reverting."

"'Oh, wow,' said the museum superintendent as he happened by. 'That's a swastika quilt.'

"Stull, 55, did a double take. Arranged across the quilt in shades of red, pink and beige were 27 swastikas. Her reaction was immediate and visceral. She saw an emblem of hate. 'That's what my generation sees,' she said.

"So began an unlikely dilemma for the small museum in a city named for Horace Greeley, the New York newspaperman who famously cajoled all to 'Go West.'

"Earlier, when the thekedar in the flesh had met Vijay at his village, they had had a friendly cup of tea. The thekedar had paid for the tea from his own pocket. 'The thekedar told me there'd be quarters or something,' Vijay said without conviction. He was not accusing the thekedar of anything. He was merely observing without rancour that he had been arsed, again.

"This is despite the fact that labour legislation – for instance, the Interstate Migrant Workmen's Act, 1979 – says migrant workers should be taken care of in terms of quarters and medical facilities. But, then, the labour laws also stipulate that unskilled workers like Vijay should be paid Rs 203 for eight hours' work, and that one day in a week should be given off."

"Cameroonian photographer Mario Epanya used his artistic talent to draft several models for his Vogue Africa project–a campaign that used fictional covers to depict the magazine’s potential. Epanya argued that the magazine would be an homage to African women and promote the development of African fashion.

Although the covers were full of stunning images and punchy headlines, critics felt that Africa did not need Vogue to feel validated especially with magazines like Arise and Canoe."

Race, Culture, and Identity in a Colorstruck World

About This Blog

Racialicious is a blog about the intersection of race and pop culture. Check out our daily updates on the latest celebrity gaffes, our no-holds-barred critique of questionable media representations, and of course, the inevitable Keanu Reeves John Cho newsflashes.

Latoya Peterson (DC) is the Owner and Editor (not the Founder!) of Racialicious, Arturo García (San Diego) is the Managing Editor, Andrea Plaid (NYC) is the Associate Editor. You can email us at team@racialicious.com.